Presbyterian Assembl

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 265, 12 November 1904, Page 2

Presbyterian Assembl

(Per Presa Association). WELLINGTON, Nov. 11. At the Presbyterian Assembly tliis morning the question of church union was discussed. A committee appointed to go jnto tho question reported that Iroin tho returns from both sessions and presbyteries it was nnvni(cst that a very large sentiment in favour of tha church union existed in the church, but it whs not sufficiently developed to justify an attempt at decisivo action. The question arose : Was it wise to continue negotiations with a view to the immediate) formulation of a basis in doctrine and polity should that be possible V Eifeht out of the fifteen presbyteries of the church had expressed tJiemsclMcs as In favour of that course, and sixty-six sessions had also voted for the proposal. It migiht fairly be argued that negotiations should proceed till at least the point had been reached at which 4t become clear a further advance was impossible, but in view of the great probability of that point soon coming into view, it was questionable whether it was worth while to face tho controversy in which this course would almost certainly involve tho church. Tho committee, instead, recommended tho' appointment of a standing committee to record and co-operate with any developments which may prepare the way to union ; also to suggest a conference with the Evangelical churches, with a view to the formation of a council for the settlement of tho question of overlapping in rural districts, mid for conUiiri-.nl action in the furtherance of great national issues lik,e the Uible-iu-schools and the repression of Uiu social sins of the community. A long discussion took place on Dr. tljbiisi' motion for the adoption of the Committee's report on church union, liov. Jolly moved an amendment that the assembly " instruct the committee to limit" its efforts to securing the highest possible measure of co-operation with other churches in advancing the cause of Christ in our land unci throughout the world." in hi s opinion the union of the churches would not come fo«- twelve or twenty years. Hov. J. K. Elliott seconded tlie amendment, .Now Zealand, ho said might succeed in foiming a new church, but it would never annihilate I'lesbyterianisin.

Rev. Br. Nisbitt lmtl Rcv nmiUr son moved another amendment winch was accepted by Rev. Jolly tHat a committee be set up to raiuo a letter of regret to the si*, to churches that the Assembly couU»ot S o on with union „^ o(ia !j This was defeated by eighty-two vo es to eighty, uml t ? 10 „? 0 mi 7° S& 0 ' tto colm " ittee tSS,